The Teachings of Wicca

By Charles Michael Powers

The Teachings of WICCA...
This book I put together explains a VERY thorough and well-explained topic of WICCA.
With seven chapters, there are so many topics within those seven chapters that will give you (the reader) a COMPLETE layout of what WICCA entails, just to name a few...
-Wicca and Wiccan Spirituality
-Coven(s)
-Solitary Practitioners
-Wiccan name information
-Elements of the Earth and what each one represents
-Witch tutorial
-Magic(k)
-Tools of the Craft
-Full Glossary
-Wiccan Alphabet and Symbols
Sabbats
and again, this is just to name a few

NOTE:
Wiccans are not evil.
There is no Satan in Wicca.
There are no demons in Wicca.
Wiccans take responsibility for our own actions and do NOT blame any outside force.
Wiccans acknowledge their light as well as their dark and keep a balance between both.
Wiccans believe in a deep karma between nature that all Flora and Fauna understand.
Wiccans believe in truth, honor and fairness for ALL.

May this book bless and assist you in your Wiccan growth, as well as for those who may be curious and/or want to develop a better understanding of WICCA.
SO MOTE IT BE !

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charles Michael Powers
• Release date: Nov 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201143626

Book preview

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©2019 Library of Congress

POWERSVCS Publishing

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Artwork Direction and Design: Charles M. Powers

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Printed in the U.S.A.

TABLE of CONTENTS

(Chapter One)

WICCA...

(The Wiccan Way- the Principles of Wicca)

(Wicca / Witchcraft / Paganism-The Difference)

(Myths and Misconceptions-Wicca and Paganism)

(The LAW)

(The Wiccan Rede-full version)

(The Wiccan Spiritual Creed)

(The Rule of Three)

(The Law of Threefold Returns)

(The Moon in Wiccan Religion)

(Wiccan Wheel of the Year)

(Chapter Two)

(The Essences of Wicca Spirituality)

(What is the Difference Between Religion / Spirituality)

(A Comparison of Religion and Spirituality)

(Spiritual Enlightenment and Wicca)

(Are YOU a Sacred Chalice?

(Preparing Your Sacred Chalice)

(Spiritual Practices as Power Tools)

(Chapter three)

(Candidates for Becoming a Wiccan Witch)

(How to Become a Wiccan)

(How to Become a Witch / Wiccan / Pagan)

(Finding a Coven or Other Witches / Gay Wicca Groups)

(My Search for My Wiccan Name)

(Finding Your Wiccan Name)

(How to Know Your TRUE Wiccan Name)

(When You Change Your Name)

(The Place of Gender in Wicca)

(The Scoop on Gay Wicca)

(Gay Wicca Groups)

(Wiccan Places of Worship)

(Tips for the Solitary Practitioner)

(Being a Wiccan is Being an Activist for Mother Earth)

(Living La Vida Wicca)

(Chapter Four)

THE WITCH...

(Witch’s Definition of Enlightenment)

(Being a Witch)

(The Witch’s Creed)

(Male Witch Creed)

(Solitary Witch’s Rede)

(13 Goals of the Witch)

(Witchcraft and Pagan Spirituality)

(Witch’s Ladder)

(Witch’s Moon Cycles)

(The Witch’s Alphabet)

(Chapter Five)

(Magic(k))

(How Magic(k) Works)

(The Power of (Magic(k))

(What is REAL Magic(k)?)

(The Secret of Magic(k))

(How to Induce trance/energy in Magic(k)

(Black Magic(k) vs. White Magic(k))

(Computer Magic(k))

(Enochian Magic(k) (The Watch Tower Tablets)

(Sigil Magic(k))

(The Five Elements of Magic(k))

(Chapter Six)

(Tools of the craft)

(Four Principles of Ritual)

(Wiccan Ritual is Magic(k)al Ritual)

(Harvesting Wiccan Rituals)

(Divination-Accessing Divine guidance)

(The Cone of Power)

(Crowley’s Cone of Power)

(Cones / Circles/ and Solitary Practitioners)

(The Wiccan Altar)

(Altar/Ritual Tools/Magic(k)al Tool Correspondences)

(Casting / Closing a Circle)

(Invocation of the Horned God / Goddess / Triple)

(Pagan Holy Water-Blessing of Pagan Holy Water)

(Chapter Seven)

(Glossary Symbols and Meanings)

(Pentagram Meaning)

(Pentagram vs Pentacle Meaning)

(The Pentacle in WICCA...The Satanist Pentagram)

(Pagan Meaning / Symbols / Glossary)

(Pagan Glossary)

(Wiccan Alphabet / Symbols A-Z)

(Wiccan Symbols)

Witchcraft Symbols)

(Goddess Symbols-A to Z)

(Sabbats)

Let’s Begin...

WICCA

Wicca is a religion and is called Pagan because it recognizes both male and female aspects of Deity. There’s a plethora of aspects of their Gods/Goddesses within a multitude of forms and of names depending upon on which particular influence is required at any time.

Wicca is an ancient Celtic magic-religion whose practitioners are referred to as...witches.

Modern witches associate themselves most commonly with ritual magick. 

The main goal of Wicca is worship, but the (magick) component undoubtedly adds to all its attractive aura. Wicca most definitely contains a strong ethical base. The action(s) we MUST take must always be weighed in relationship to the good of all not merely for the benefit of particular members in a specific group.

Wicca, as a religion, predates...

Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity. It doesn’t have any dogma or of any set beliefs. It is more akin to Shamanic traditions. We see nature and the movement of the Sun, Moon, and the Stars as the source of Wiccan theory and practice.

Life is NEVER taken needlessly by a Wiccan.

They have a love for life in ALL forms...this is NOT to be wasted.

Wicca is most definitely NOT Satanism.

To a Wiccan, only humans cause evil.

The potential for evil is within us.

Wicca is therefore NOT Satanic or evil!!!!!!!!

The Wiccan Way ~ The Principles of Wicca

There is an old saying that if you ask any ten Wiccans about their religion, you’ll get at least fifteen different answers. That’s not far from the truth, as with nearly half a million Americans practicing Wicca today, there are dozens — perhaps even hundreds — of different Wiccan groups out there. There is no one governing body over Wicca, nor is there a Bible that lays down a Universal set of guidelines. While specifics vary from one tradition to the next, there are actually a few ideals and beliefs common to nearly all modern Wiccan groups.

Origins of Wicca:

Wicca, as a religion, was introduced by author...Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. Gardner’s tradition was oathbound, initiatory, and secret. However, after a few years splinter groups began forming, and new traditions were formed. Today, many Wiccan groups owe their basic foundation to the principles laid out by Gardner. Wicca is not an ancient religion, but Gardner did incorporate some old esoteric knowledge into his original tradition, including Eastern mysticism, Kabballah, and British legend.

Who Is a Wiccan, and How Do You Find Them?

Wiccans come from all walks of life. They are doctors and nurses, teachers and soccer moms, writers and firefighters, waitresses and computer programmers. Anyone can be Wiccan, and people become Wiccan for many reasons. In fact, there are nearly half a million Wiccans in the United States today. Where to find them, that might take a bit of digging as a mystery religion that doesn’t proselytize or actively recruit, it can sometimes be difficult to find a group in your area. Never fear, though — the Wiccans are out there, and if you would ask around enough, you’ll bump into one eventually.

Calling Upon the Divine:

Wicca acknowledges the polarity of the Divine, which means that both the male and the female deities are often honored. A Wiccan may honor simply a non-specific god and goddess, or...they may choose to worship specific deities of their tradition, whether it be Isis and Osiris, Cerridwen and Herne, or Apollo and Athena.

In Gardnerian Wicca, the true names of the gods are revealed only to initiated members, and they are kept a secret from anyone outside the tradition.

Initiation and Degree Systems:

Within most Wiccan covens, there is some form of initiation, and of a degree system. Initiation is a symbolic rebirth, in which the initiator fully dedicates themselves to the gods of their tradition. Typically, only an individual who has attained the rank of Third Degree decadence may act as a High Priest or as a High Priestess. Study is required before any individual may advance to the next degree level. Often this is the traditional year and a day period.

Someone who is not a member of a coven or a formal group may choose to perform a self-dedication ritual to pledge themselves to the gods of their path.

Magic Happens:

The belief in and use of magick and spell work is nearly Universal within Wicca because for most of the dedicated Wiccans, there’s nothing supernatural about magick at all — it is the harnessing and redirection of natural energy to effect changes in the world around us. In Wicca, magick is simply another skill set or tool. Most Wiccans do use specific tools in spell crafting, such as an athame, wand, herbs, crystals, and candles. Magical workings are often performed within a sacred circle. The use of magick is not limited only to the priesthood — as anyone can craft and perform a spell with a little bit of practice.

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The Spirit World is Out There:

Because the concept of an afterlife of some sort is typical in most branches of Wicca, there is willingness to accept interaction with the spirit world. Séances, and contact with the unknown are not uncommon among Wiccans. Although not all of Wiccans actively seeks communication with the dead.

Divination...such as tarot, runes, and astrology are used as well.

What Wicca Isn’t:

Wicca does not embrace the concepts of...

sin, heaven or hell, the evils of sex , nudity, confession, Satanism, animal sacrifice, or the inferiority of women.

Wicca is not a fashion statement...

you do not have wear certain attire to be a real Wiccan.

Basic Beliefs of Wicca:

While not being exclusive to every single tradition, the following are some of the core tenets found in most Wiccan systems.

The Divine is present in nature, and so nature should be honored and respected. Everything from animals and plants to trees and rocks are elements of the sacred. You’ll find that many practicing Wiccans are passionate about the environment.

*The idea of karma and an afterlife IS a valid one. What we do in

this lifetime will be revisited upon us in the next. Part of this idea of a cosmic payback system is echoed into the Law of Threefold Return.

*Our ancestors should be spoken of with honor.

It’s not considered out of the ordinary to commune with the spirit world, many Wiccans feel that their ancestors are watching over them at all times.

The Divine has polarity — both male and female.

*In most paths of Wicca, both a god and goddess are honored.

The Divine is present in ALL of us. We’re ALL sacred beings, and interaction with the gods is not limited just to the priesthood or a select group of individuals.

*Holidays are based on the rotation of the earth, with cycle of the seasons included.

Wicca’s eight major Sabbats are celebrated too...monthly Esbats.

*Everyone’s completely responsible for ALL of their own actions. Personal responsibility is the key.

Whether magic(k)al or mundane, one must be willing to accept the consequences, either good or bad — of their behavior.

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*Harm none...or something like it. While there are a few different interpretations of what actually constitutes of the word...harm, most of Wiccans follow the Wiccan concept that no harm should intentionally be done to another individual.

*Respect the beliefs of others.

There’s no Recruiting Club in Wicca, and the Wiccans are not out to preach at you and/or to convert you. Wiccan groups recognize that each individual must find their spiritual path on their own, without coercion. While a Wiccan may honor different gods than you do, they’ll always respect your right to believe...differently.

*With recognizing that there is more than just one path to one’s spiritual enlightenment, that Wicca is but one of many, and that Wicca holds within itself that belief that there is more than one type of step set to the Spiral Dance.

Here some common denominators of the Craft:

- That there’s above ALL of the Goddess in her threefold aspect... Maiden, Mother and Crone) and many are her names.

- That there is the God. Consort and son, the giver of strength and most willing to sacrifice.

- That and it harm none, do what you will...this be the law.

- That each of her children are bound by the Threefold Law and whatever we create, be it joy/sorrow, laughter or pain, is brought back to us threefold.

- That She’s our Mother, and we are her children, we ALL seek to live in harmony not only with each other...

but as with the Earth that is our womb and home.

- That death is not an ending of an existence...

but it is a step in the ongoing process of life.

- That there is no sacrifice of blood, for She is the Mother of ALL living, and from Her, ALL things proceed and, from unto her ALL things return.

- That each and every one of the children who will follow this path has no need of another between themselves and the Goddess but may find Her within themselves.

- That there shall not by intent, but there shall be of a desecration of another’s symbols or beliefs, for we’re ALL seeking in harmony within the one.

- That each person’s faith is private, all unto their own selves, and another’s belief is not to be set out and made public.

- That the Wiccan Way is not to seek converts, but, that way to be made open to those, who for reasons of their own, seek and find the Craft.

And as it is willed, so mote it be!

Principals of Wiccan Belief

A.) We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon, and the seasonal quarters and cross-quarters.

B.)We recognize that all our intelligence gives us the most unique responsibility towards our environment and to each other.

We seek to live in full harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness.

C.) We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than the ordinary, it’s sometimes called, supernatural ...but, we (clearly) see it as laying within that which is naturally potential to all.

D.) We directly believe in the Creative Power in the Universe as manifesting through polarity....as masculine and feminine...and this creative Power lives in All people and the functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither one above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sexuality as pleasure; the symbol of the embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of the energies used in magic(k)al practice and religious worship. NOTE: One’s sexuality should not be used for coercion to gain power, fame, or friends.

E.) We do not recognize any authority/hierarch...but, DO honor those who share their knowledge, wisdom, and also acknowledge those who actually courageously give of themselves in leadership for the Craft not one out to impress others, or to gain followers, or fakes.

F.) We acknowledge that it’s the affirmation and of the fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution...and with the development of consciousness (some in this community don’t have and don’t even try, as they do enjoy in taking credit in things unworked for themselves.) Giving meaning to the Universe as we know...and to our personal role within it.

G.) We see religion, magic(k), and wisdom-in-living as be united in the way one views the world and lives within it-—a world view and philosophy of life, in which we identify as...Witchcraft and... the Wiccan Way

H.) Calling oneself a Witch does not make a witch! But neither does heredity itself, or collecting of titles degrees, initiations and nest/group coordinators. A witch seeks to control all the forces within themselves that make life possible in order to live wisely and well...without any harm to others, in harmony with nature. Our only animosity towards Christianity...and/or towards any other philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be the only true way and have only sought to deny freedom to others...to alleviate other ways of religious practices and beliefs.

I.) As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of our Craft, origin of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned about our present and future.

We...in the Wiccan community must police ourselves from those who exploit it from within and of those who only follow the Rede when it is convenient.

J.) We do NOT except the concept of absolute evil...nor do we worship any entity known as, Satan or the Devil as defined by Christian tradition. We do NOT seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we make those suffer by race, appearance, how their income is made, or sexual orientation.

K.) We work entirely within nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

L.) We acknowledge that reading one book or of others does NOT make one an expert, only time/ age / experience can do that.

So, take notes when studying.

The Wiccan Way

(or...The Wicca Spirituality Rede)

At last, here it is in final form!

What is it?  How did it come about?

Well, it started with the long version of the Wiccan Rede.

That's a collection of tips (sort of) on Wicca and magic(k).  

But there were a lot of things I felt were missing from the Rede -specifically, the more spiritual aspects of Wicca.  I wanted to also add of these elements...since in my opinion, the spirituality is the most important part!

Taken all together with...

the Rede

the Three-Fold Law

the Charge of The Star Goddess,

I think that it gives a VERY complete outline for anyone who wants to know what Wicca Spirituality is really about.

Wicca, Witchcraft or Paganism? What’s the Difference, Anyway?

If you are reading this page, chances are you are either a...Wiccan or Pagan, or you are someone who’s interested in learning more about the modern Pagan movement. You may be a parent...who’s curious about what your child is reading, or you might even be someone who is unsatisfied with the spiritual path you’re on right now. Perhaps, you are seeking something more than what you’ve had in the past. You might be someone who’s practiced Wicca or

Paganism for years, and who just wants to learn more.

For many people, the embracing of an earth-based spirituality is a feeling of coming home. Often, people say that when they first discovered Wicca, they felt like they finally fit in. For others, it’s a journey TO something new, as rather than running away from something else.

Paganism is an Umbrella Term

Please bear in mind, that there are dozens of different traditions that fall under the umbrella title of Paganism. While one group may have a certain practice, not everyone will follow the same criteria. Statements made on this site referring to Wiccans and Pagans generally refer to MOST Wiccans and Pagans, all with the acknowledgement that not all practices are identical.

Not All Pagans are Wiccans

There are many Witches who are not Wiccans. Some are Pagans, but some consider themselves something else entirely.

Just to make sure everyone is on the same page, let’s clear up one thing right off the bat...not ALL Pagans are Wiccans. The term Pagan (derived from the Latin...paganus, in which translates roughly to hick from the sticks) was originally used to describe people who lived in rural areas. As our time has progressed and Christianity spread, those same country folks were often the last holdouts into clinging to their old religions. Thus, Pagan came to mean people who didn’t worship the god of Abraham.

In the 1950s author Gerald Gardner brought Wicca to the public, and many contemporary Pagans embraced that known practice. Although Wicca itself was founded by Gardner, he based it upon old traditions. Many Witches/Pagans were both perfectly happy with continuing into practicing their own spiritual paths without converting to Wicca.

Therefore, Pagan is an umbrella term that includes the many different spiritual belief systems – Wicca is just one of many.

Think of it this way:

Christian > Lutheran or Methodist or Jehovah’s Witness

Pagan > Wiccan or Asatru or Dianic or Eclectic Witchcraft

As if that wasn’t confusing enough, not all of people who practice witchcraft are Wiccans...or even Pagans. There are a few witches who embrace the Christian god as well as a Wiccan goddess – the Christian Witch movement is alive and well!

There are also people out there who practice Jewish mysticism, or Jewitchery, and...atheist witches who practice magic(k), but do not follow a deity.

What About Magic(k)?

There are a number of people who consider themselves Witches, but who are not necessarily Wiccan, or are even Pagan. Typically, these are people who use the term...eclectic Witch, to apply to themselves. In many cases, Witchcraft is seen as a skill...set in addition to or instead of a religious.

A Witch may practice magic(k) in a manner completely separate from their spirituality.

In other words, one doesn’t have to interact with the Divine to be a Witch.

Myths and Misconceptions – The Truth About Wicca and Paganism

There are myths/misconceptions about Wicca, most of which are perpetuated by people who...(a) don’t know any better and (b)... have never even taken the time to learn the truth. Let’s talk about some of the most common bits of misinformation which people hear about Wicca and modern Paganism.

Is Wicca some weird cult?

No, it’s NOT...no more so than any other religion. Sure, there are some weird Wiccans, as there are also people in other religions who are also weird. Wicca is actually a religion...albeit a fairly new one, which is based on ancient practices. Although it was founded by Gerald Gardner back in the 1950s, it is still a legally recognized religion. Wiccans do have the same religious rights as people practicing any other type of spiritual path.

Some people do tend to get confused, though, because the word occult, which means... secret or mysterious, is often associated with the Wiccan religion.

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Do witches worship the Devil?

NO. Satan is a Christian construct, and Wiccans do NOT worship him. Even the Satanists don’t actually worship Satan, but that’s a whole other conversation.

You guys have sex orgies, right?

No. However, most Pagans and Wiccans are pretty liberal when it comes to sexuality. We don’t care who you sleep with, as long as everyone involved is a consenting adult. We don’t care if you’re straight, gay, transgendered, polyamorous, or...of anything else. With whom you have sex with, and as to how often, and in what manner is YOUR business! We just hope that whatever you are doing, you do RESONSIBLY. There are some Wiccan groups who practice sky clad, or nude, but that’s not really sexual in nature.

How come you use that Satanic symbol with the star on it?

You mean...the pentacle? That is a symbol for many Wiccans and Pagans, of the four classical elements: earth, air, fire and water, as well as a fifth element of Spirit or Self. The pentacle is of the (upright) star with a circle around the star...representing added protection.

Do Wiccans cast spells?

Yes. In Wicca, and of many other Pagan paths the use of magic(k) is considered perfectly natural. It’s not the same as the magic(k) seen in (ex.) Harry Potter but for Wiccans, magic(k) is part of the natural world. Some spells take the form of prayers to the gods, and others are based on one’s direction of will and intent. Most Wiccans will tell you they use spell work for a variety of things — healing, personal empowerment, prosperity, etc. Magic(k) is a tool that is typically used in tandem within the mundane, or non-magic(k)al, world.

What’s the difference between a Wiccan and a Pagan?

Nearly all of Wiccans are Pagans, but not all Pagans are Wiccans. As if that wasn’t puzzling enough, there are some people who are witches, but not Wiccan or Pagan. Confused yet?

You’re not alone. Basically, Pagan...is an umbrella term for a group of different spiritual paths.

Why do people become Wiccans?

The reasons are as varied as...the people. Some find themselves drawn to Wicca because of a dissatisfaction with other religions. Others study a variety of religions and then realize that Wicca is the most compatible with what they already believe. A few people who are practicing Wiccans and are Pagans today were raised in Pagan families. Regardless, nearly every Wiccan will tell you that they came to Wicca because they knew it was the right path for them. Like me!

How do you recruit new Wiccans into your religion?

We don’t. Although we’ll happily share information with you and answer your questions, we’re not interested in collecting new recruits. Here’s why: Do Wiccans Recruit?

Aren’t you worried that you’re going to go to hell?

Well, no. Much like Satan, the concept of Hell is a Christian one. It’s not really even on our radar. However, there are a few people — typically those who have come to Wicca from a Christian background — who do worry about this very issue. For the rest of us, we know that the future of our soul does not depend on salvation or acceptance of deity as a savior.

Instead, we focus on doing good things, because we know that what we do in this lifetime will echo upon us in the next.

Do you believe in God?

Wiccans and Pagans are typically polytheistic, which means we believe in more than one deity. If you look at god as a job title rather than a proper name, we believe in a variety of gods and goddesses, rather than One Single God. Most Pagans and Wiccans acknowledge the existence of thousands of deities, but generally worship or honor only the gods of their own tradition.

The LAW

This be the true and great law of the Wicca, ordained and consecrated for our use.

And this be the only law that the Wicca shall observe in council in the circle.

ALL must obey the law if they be of the craft.

The High Priestess shall be your...mother, sister, and friend, and ALL shall obey her commands within the Circle, for she is the... Goddess incarnate, and is to be respected. Common consent shall determine her successor...and  should she not appoint such by her own words.

The High Priest shall be your...father, brother, and as friend, and likewise, you shall obey his desires within the Circle; for he is the God incarnate and is to be respected. Common consent shall determine his successor...and should he not appoint such by his own words.

The High Priestess and the High Priest shall each appoint aides, the Maiden, and the Page, and their duties shall be to learn the High Priesthood such that they may perform all necessary rites and, with time, from their own coven. For the Craft must not die.

All shall be purified ere they step within the sacred Circle, which is anciently, the Circle of Stones. All shall bathe and be purified with salt and herbs.

All shall be naked or robed, according to desire.

Give due worship to the Old Ones, as we have been taught.

All shall observe the Sabbats with due ceremony, and after the rites there shall be feasting and dancing, much merriment, to rejoice in the turning of the wheel of the year.

Likewise, all of the Wicca, once a month, shall meet to celebrate the March of the Moon and make magic(k) in the God’s names.

As often as possible, the rites shall be held within forests, by the seashore, or deserted mountaintops, or near quiet tranquil lakes. But if this is impossible, then some chamber with adequate safety against discovery shall suffice, but only if it be (properly) purified with rosemary or frankincense.

As far as possible make all your actions honorable, for all that you do shall return to you, threefold, three times ill or...of three times good.

Seek out wisdom in books, rare manuscripts, and cryptic poems, if you will; but seek it out in simple stones and fragile herbs, and in the cry of the wild bird; listen to the whisperings